Molded plastic display package

ABSTRACT

An improved molded plastic display package is comprised of a first elongated member having an I-beam type cross section and a second U-shaped member that is slidable onto and off of the first member and which includes releasable latch means for engagement with a portion of the first member. Terminal means are provided for mounting and displaying an article of jewelry, for example, with the aid of an elastic extension. The present invention is very low in cost and requires a relatively shallow mold.

United States Patent Braun et al.

MOLDED PLASTIC DISPLAY PACKAGE Samuel Braun, Rye; Robert Witkofi, Glen Cove; George Northrop, Wantagh, all of NY.

CeIIu-Crait Inc., Lake Success, N.Y.

Aug. 12, 1970 Inventors:

Assignee:

Filed:

Appl. No.:

US. Cl ..206/45.14, 206/45.14, 206/45.l9, 206/DIG. 6, 206/78 Int. Cl. ..B65d 25/10, B65d 11/00 Field of Search ..206/45. 14, 45.19, 45.34, 75, 206/78 R, 79, 80 R, DIG. 6

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Lawrence ..206/75 9/1906 Smith ..206/75 51 Mar. 21, 1972 968,245 8/1910 Levi ..206/45.l4 3,045,812 7/1962 Randolph... ..206/45.l9X

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Great Britain ..206/80 R Primary Examiner-Leonard Summer Attorney-Leonard H. King [57] ABSTRACT An improved molded plastic display package is comprised of a first elongated member having an I-beam type cross section and a second U-shaped member that is slidable onto and off of the first member and which includes releasable latch means for engagement with a portion of the first member. Terminal means are provided for mounting and displaying an article of jewelry, for example, with the aid of an elastic extension. The

present invention is very low in cost and requires a relatively shallow mold.

17 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures MOLDED PLASTIC DISPLAY PACKAGE The aforementioned abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application which, of course, is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

This invention relates generally to display packages and more particularly to an improved, two-part display package that is readily separable and which is of very low cost to produce.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides means for displaying articles of jewelry at a very low cost. Two members, either one or both of which, may be molded of polystyrene, are releasably secured to each other. The first member resembles an I-beam in cross section and is provided on one surface. of the web thereof with a first terminal on which the article of jewelry may be looped. On the rear surface of the web there is provided two spaced terminals either one of which is adapted to receive an elastic member that is also secured to the opposite end of the article of jewelry. Thus a single package may be used to display any one of a number of lengths of bracelets, necklaces or the like. The elastic is removably secured to either one of the terminals on the reverse surface of the I- beam web, depending upon the length of the article of jewelry.

In an alternative embodiment the front terminal is not used and instead the article of jewelry for example, a necklace, is looped around a neck portion of the display package. The opposite end of the necklace, together with the elastic removably secured thereto, is secured to either one of the two terminals on the rear surface of the package.

For both embodiments, a readily removable molded plastic cover is provided in the form of an elongated U with each leg thereof spanning the flanges at the front and rear portions of the first member. The free end of one of the legs of the U shaped member includes a lip that latches onto the upper end of the flanges near the outer edges thereof and may be removed therefrom merely by deflecting the leg containing the lip and then sliding the U shaped member off of the I-beam shaped member. It is of particular importance that only a relatively shallow mold is required to produce the U-shaped cover member. Similarly, a relatively shallow mold is needed to produce the I-beam shaped member.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of this invention to provide an improved display package for articles of jewelry or the like.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved, two-part molded plastic display member having integral latching means that are readily releasable.

A feature of this invention is that relatively inexpensive, shallow molds are required.

An advantage of this invention is that different lengths of articles of jewelry may be accommodated in a single size display package.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will, in part, be pointed out with particularity, and will, in part, become obvious from the following more detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, which forms an integral part thereof.

In the various figures of the drawing, like reference characters designate like parts.

IN THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a front elevational view partially broken away of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional side elevational view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 with a portion of the cover member shown in a deflected or released position;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, sectional plan view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic front and rear elevational views, respectively, illustrating one mode of usage of the present invention; and

FIGS. 5A and 5B are front and rear elevational views, respectively, illustrating another mode of usage of the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, it will be seen that the molded display case 10 comprising the present invention includes a first, molded plastic member 12 in the shape of an I- beam. The member 12, which is adapted to support an article of jewelry or the like for display purposes, includes a central web 14 that terminates in two spaced and substantially parallel flanges 16. A head end 18, integral with the member 12, is provided with a recess 20 that is adapted to receive a name plate or the like. Just below the head end 18 is a transverse closure plate 22 that is spaced from the upper end of the flanges 16 to define a neck portion 24 (FIG. 1) at the upper end of the web 14. The outermost edges of each of the flanges 16 is also provided with a reduced thickness lip portion 26 extending the length thereof and at the bottom end of the display case 10 the web 14 is provided with an arcuate recess 28.

As shown particularly in FIG. 2, the central web portion 14 of the member 12 is provided with a first terminal 30 extending outwardly from the front surface thereof. The terminal 30 is formed with an upwardly directed undercut 32 that defines a lip 34, the purpose of which will be described more fully hereinafter. On the rear surface of the web 14 there is provided a second terminal 36 that also has an upwardly directed undercut 38 defining a lip 40 that is spaced from the web 14. In addition, the terminal 36 is provided with a central slot 42. The terminal 36 like the terminal 30 is located on the longitudinal center line of the web 14. A second terminal 44 on the rear surface of the web 14 is offset from the center line of the web 14 and also has an undercut 46 facing downwardly for defining a lip 48. A central slot 50 is formed in the terminal 46 as well.

The second part of the display package 10 is comprised of a U-shaped slidable cover member 60 that is molded of a suitable plastic such as polystyrene for example. The cover member 60 is comprised of two spacedly parallel leg portions 62 and 64 that are connected by a transverse web 66. As shown particularly in FIG. 2, the leg 64 includes a transverse lip 68 proximate the upper end thereof. In the assembled condition, the transverse connecting web 66 abuts the lower end of the first member 12 and the lip 68 of the leg 64 is positioned within the space defined by the closure plate 22 of the member 12 and the topmost edge of the flanges 16.

It should be particularly noted that the side edges of the legs 62 and 64 rest on the lips 26 that are formed on the side edges of the flanges 16. Of particular importance is the fact that the two outer ends of the lip 68, in the assembled condition as shown in solid outline in FIG. 2 as well as in FIG. 3, rest on two corners 69 defined by the relatively thick portion of the flange 16 directly adjacent the lips 26. This arrangement prevents the cover 60 from slipping downwardly. When it is necessary to remove the cover 60, the leg 64 is pulled away slightly as shown in phantom outline in FIG. 2 using the inherent resiliency of the plastic material. At this time, there is no restraint on the removal of the cover 60 since the opposite leg 62 does not have a lip similar to 68. Alternatively, both legs 62 and 64 could have lips similar to 68 but then both legs 62 and 64 would have to be pulled back in order to remove the cover member 60.

It should be particularly noted that the cover member 60 as well as the first member 12, for that matter, lend themselves to very shallow molding. Further,- during molding, the rear leg 62 may be formed with a plurality of serrations or ridges so as to render it at least semi-opaque.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate one means for utilizing the present invention to mount an article of jewelry. A chain link bracelet 70, for example, is mounted on the terminal 30 using the end ring 72. The chain link 70 extends downwardly over the front surface of the web 14, through the recess 28 and then in an upward direction as shown in FIG. 48. One end of a length of elastic is secured to the free end of the chain link 70 using a pin 76. The other end of the elastic 74 is threaded through the slot 42 of the upper terminal 36 and is removably secured therein by means of a second pin 78. To remove the bracelet 70, the elastic 74 is stretched to free the pin 78 from the terminal 36. The pin 76 is removed from the chain link 70 and the ring 72 of the chain link 70 is removed from the terminal 30. To assemble the article of jewelry 70 the procedure just described is reversed.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate another mode of usage of the present invention. A necklace 80, for example, is looped around the neck portion 24 of the member 12. The free end of the necklace 80 extends downwardly over the front surface of the web 14, passes through the recess 28, upwardly along the rear surface of the web 14 and then around the terminal 36. A length of elastic 82 is secured to the free end of the necklace 80 using a pin 84. The opposite end of the elastic 82 is threaded downwardly through the slot 50 in the lower terminal 44 and is secured thereto by means of a pin 86. To remove the necklace, the pin 86 and the elastic 82 are removed from the terminal 44. The pin 84 may then be removed from the necklace which is unhooked from the neck portion 24 of the member 12. To assemble the necklace 80 the above procedure is reversed.

It is preferred that both of the terminals 36 and 44 be molded integrally with each of the member 12 even though only one of them is used at a time. Thus a single size package may be used to display different lengths of articles of jewelry. The positions of the terminals 36 and 44 are selected so as to accommodate the widest range of jewelry together with convenient lengths of elastic 74 and 82. At no, additional cost other than the cost to construct the mold still another terminal positioned lower than terminal 44 may also be provided.

It will be evident from the foregoing that a very inexpensive display case for articles of jewelry has been provided. The display case lends itself to relatively inexpensive, shallow molding and is substantially universal. Because it is molded in plastic, the display case may be formed in various contrasting colors or in a clear plastic.

There has been disclosed heretofore the best embodiment of the invention presently contemplated. However, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What we claim as new and desire to secure by letters patent is:

1. An improved display package for an article of jewelry or the like, said package comprising:

a. a first member having front and rear mounting surfaces;

b. means proximate one end of said first member for supporting the article of jewelry on the front surface thereof;

0. terminal means on said rear surface for releasably retaining an end of the article of jewelry;

d. resilient cover means; and

e. means for releasably latching said cover means on said first member.

2. The package in accordance with claim 1 wherein said cover means is a substantially U-shaped resilient member and said latching means comprises a lip formed on the free end of one of the legs thereof, said lip being arranged to interlock with a portion of said first member.

3. The package in accordance with claim 2 wherein said first member is in the form of an l-beam having spaced side flanges and a connecting web defining said front and rear surfaces and said latching means interlocks with said flanges at one end thereof.

4. The package in accordance with claim 3 wherein said support means is a reduced neck portion formed on said web.

5. The package in accordance with claim 3 wherein said support means is a post formed integrally with the front surface of said web.

6. The package in accordance with claim 5 wherein said post is formed with an undercut to define a lip at the free end thereof.

7. The package In accordance with claim 1 wherein said terminal means comprises at least one post formed integrally with said rear surface, said post having an undercut for defining a lip.

8. The package in accordance with claim 7 wherein said post has a longitudinal slot therethrough.

9. The package in accordance with claim 7 wherein there are two of said posts, one of which is positioned proximate the same end of said first member as said support member, the

other of said posts being positioned intermediate the ends of said first member.

10. The package in accordance with claim 9 wherein said undercuts in said posts face in opposite directions.

11. The package in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least said cover means is a molded plastic member.

12. Improved means for displaying an article of jewelry or the like, said display means comprising:

a. a first member having front and rear mounting surfaces; b. means proximate one end of said first member for supporting the article of jewelry on the front surface thereof; c. terminal means on said rear surface releasably retaining an end of the article of jewelry; and d. a length of elastic for coupling the article of jewelry to said terminal means. 13. The display means in accordance with claim 12 wherein said terminal means comprises at least one post formed integrally with said rear surfaces, said post having an undercut for defining a lip, said length of elastic further including means at each end thereof for releasably engaging the end of the jewelry and said post.

14. Thedisplay means in accordance with claim 13 wherein said post includes a longitudinal slot and said length of elastic extends through said slot.

15. The display means in accordance with claim 14 wherein said engaging means comprises a pin at each end of the length of elastic.

16. The display means in accordance with claim 13 wherein there are two of said posts, one of which is positioned proximate the same end of said first member as. said support member, the other of said posts being positioned intermediate the ends of said first member.

17. The display means in accordance with claim 16 wherein said undercuts in said posts face in opposite directions. 

1. An improved display package for an article of jewelry or the like, said package comprising: a. a first member having front and rear mounting surfaces; b. means proximate one end of said first member for supporting the article of jewelry on the front surface thereof; c. terminal means on said rear surface for releasably retaining an end of the article of jewelry; d. resilient cover means; and e. means for releasably latching said cover means on said first member.
 2. The package in accordance with claim 1 wherein said cover means is a substantially U-shaped resilient member and said latching means comprises a lip formed on the free end of one of the legs thereof, said lip being arranged to interlock with a portion of said first member.
 3. The package in accordance with claim 2 wherein said first member is in the form of an I-beam having spaced side flanges and a connecting web defining said front and rear surfaces and said latching means interlocks with said flanges at one end thereof.
 4. The package in accordance with claim 3 wherein said support means is a reduced neck portion formed on said web.
 5. The package in accordance with claim 3 wherein said support means is a post formed integrally with the front surface of said web.
 6. The package in accordance with claim 5 wherein said post is formed with an undercut to define a lip at the free end thereof.
 7. The package in accordance with claim 1 wherein said terminal means comprises at least one post formed integrally with said rear surface, said post having an undercut for defining a lip.
 8. The package in accordance with claim 7 wherein said post has a longitudinal slot therethrough.
 9. The package in accordance with claim 7 wherein there are two of said posts, one of which is positioned proximate the same end of said first member as said support member, the other of said posts being positioned intermediate the ends of said first member.
 10. The package in accordance with claim 9 wherein said undercuts in said posts face in opposite directions.
 11. The package in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least said cover means is a molded plastic member.
 12. Improved means for displaying an article of jewelry or the like, said display means comprising: a. a first member having front and rear mounting surfaces; b. means proximate one end of said first member for supporting the article of jewelry on the front surface thereof; c. terminal means on said rear surface releasably retaining an end of the article of jewelry; and d. a length of elastic for coupling the article of jewelry to said terminal means.
 13. The display means in accordance with claim 12 wherein said terminal means comprises at least one post formed integrally with said rear surfaces, said post having an undercut for defining a lip, said length of elastic further including means at each end thereof for releasably engaging the end of the jewelry and said post.
 14. The display means in accordance with claim 13 wherein said post includes a longitudinal slot and said length of elastic extends through said slot.
 15. The display means in accordance with claim 14 wherein said engaging means comprises a pin at each end of the length of elastic.
 16. The display means in accordance with claim 13 wherein there are two of said posts, one of which is positioned proximate the same end of said first member as said support member, the other of said posts being positioned intermediate the ends of said first member.
 17. The display means in accordance with claim 16 wherein said undercuts in said posts face in opposite directions. 